External Affairs Director

Job Description

Job Description

Sierra Donor Services - New Mexico (SDS) is looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic team member to join us to save lives!! Our mission at SDS is to save lives through organ donation and we want professionals on our team that will embrace this important work!! New Mexico Donor Services is seeking an External Affairs Director to join our team! This position will increase the organization’s reach and community standing through community engagement and organ/tissue donation registration awareness initiatives.  The incumbent will represent the organization in an array of community events while also pursuing community and corporate partnerships.  Travel will be required.

COMPANY OVERVIEW AND MISSION

For over four decades, DCI Donor Services has been a leader in working to end the transplant waiting list.  Our unique approach to service allows for nationwide donation, transplantation, and distribution of organs and tissues while maintaining close ties to our local communities.  

DCI Donor Services operates organ procurement/tissue recovery organizations: Sierra Donor Services and Tennessee Donor Services with operations in the states of California, New Mexico, and Tennessee. We also maximize the gift of life through the DCI Donor Services Tissue Bank and Sierra Donor Services Eye Bank. 

Our performance is measured by the way we serve donor families and recipients.  To be successful in this endeavor is our ultimate mission.  By mobilizing the power of people and the potential of technology, we are honored to extend the reach of each donor’s gift and share the importance of the gift of life.

We are committed to our company overview & mission. With the help of our employee-led strategy team, we will ensure that all communities feel welcome and safe with us because we are a model for fairness, belonging, and forward thinking.

1. Establishes and maintains relationships with groups and organizations in the community to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation and other business development opportunities. 

1. Expands donation awareness in collaboration with the communications strategy including advertising, public relations, digital and social media efforts and managing strategic partnerships. 

1. Represents the company in community development activities and initiatives for the OPO’s designated service area. Partners with community groups such as major hospitals/transplant centers, faith-based organizations, etc. to establish a presence in promoting donation. 

1. Directs and oversees community relations programs that effectively describe and promote donation in an effort to save and enhance lives. 

1. Legislatively represents and protects organization interests by working with local, state, and federal government entities. Develops key relationships with government and legislative leaders as identified. Ensures excellent working relationships with government leaders. 

1. Monitors legislative and regulatory activities. 

1. Partners with CEO and Corporate Officers on proposed legislative actions to determine the potential impact to donation. 

1. Collaborates with senior leadership and the OPO community regarding the company’s position on local, state, and federal regulations and collaborates with the Communications Director to convey internally and externally. 

1. Collaborates with Communications Team on the strategic goals and vision of the organization, including public relations, legislative affairs, website, social media, and marketing collateral. Contributes to web and social media content. 

1. Manages the Public Education Staff and oversees efficiency of donation related events to increase the number of registered donors. Serves as point of contact for community service organizations, legislative staff, community government and business leaders, DMVs, community groups, hospitals/transplant centers. 

1. Represent the organization at community and business events which will require public speaking with poise and engagement. 

1. Support senior leaders with talking points, background details, crisis communications and stakeholder communications. 

1. Maintain current knowledge of the donation and transplantation industry, including national campaigns and strategies, and tracking developing trends, in order to communicate in a timely and appropriate manner with DCIDS stakeholders and the general public. 

1. Performs other duties as assigned.
   
   

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:   

• Ability to communicate internally and externally to diverse audiences, with knowledge, tact, courtesy, and superior attention to detail.   
  

• Write clearly, creatively, and persuasively to advance priorities across a variety of channels, tell stories ethically and with an equity-focused lens, and copyedit with a critical eye.  
  
  
• Manage, organize, prioritize, and deliver on day-to-day tasks and longer-term projects, individually and as part of a fast-paced team.  
  
• Take direction, carry out assigned tasks, and where appropriate, develop new skills and systems. 
  
  
• Use technologically savvy, demonstrated ability to use word processing applications, email, internet searches, database and presentation software, and social media platforms/applications. Experience with Salesforce is a plus.

• Fluency in English and Spanish is preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; Masters Degree preferred.  
  
  
• Eight (8) years in marketing and communication – previous experience managing projects and employees required
  
  
• Valid driver’s license with ability to pass MVR underwriting requirements
  
  

  We offer a competitive compensation package including:

• Up to 184 hours of PTO your first year
• Up to 72 hours of Sick Time your first year
• Two Medical Plans (your choice of a PPO or HDHP), Dental, and Vision Coverage
• 403(b) plan with matching contribution
• Company provided term life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Wellness Program 
• Supplemental insurance benefits such as accident coverage and short-term disability
• Discounts on home/auto/renter/pet insurance
• Cell phone discounts through Verizon

**New employees must have their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by their potential start date or be able to supply proof of vaccination.**

You will receive a confirmation e-mail upon successful submission of your application.  The next step of the selection process will be to complete a video screening.  Instructions to complete the video screening will be contained in the confirmation e-mail.  Please note - you must complete the video screening within 5 days from submission of your application to be considered for the position.

DCIDS is an EOE/AA employer – M/F/Vet/Disability.